Harpers Ferry in Jefferson County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
"I just had to speak out"
-Pearl Tatten
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
— National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior —
Photographed By Adam Margolis, December 19, 2023
1. "I just had to speak out" Marker
Hearing praise for "faithful slaves" during the dedication of the Heyward Shepherd memorial (to your left), Peal Tatten interrupted the ceremony. "I am the daughter of a [Union soldier]… who fought for the freedom of my people, who which John Brown struck the first blow."
Tatten challenged the faithful slave stereotype. "We are pushing forward to a larger freedom…" The audience was shocked. "Confederate Daughters gape as the lauds John Brown," Reported the Baltimore Afro-American.
[Caption:]
1931 dedication (pictured) of the Heyward Shepherd memorial included the monument's sponsors: the United Daughters of the Confederacy and the Sons of Confederate Veteran.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Civil Rights • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1931.
Location. 39° 19.4′ N, 77° 43.804′ W. Marker is in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, in Jefferson County. Marker is on Potomac Street north of Shenandoah Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Heyward Shepherd (here, next to this marker); Harpers Ferry History (here, next to this marker); White Hall Tavern (a few steps from this marker); John Brown Monument (a few steps from this marker); Lewis and Clark (within shouting distance of this marker); Armory Grounds (within shouting distance of this marker); Short-lived Sanctuary (within shouting distance of this marker); John Brown's Last Stand (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Harpers Ferry.
Photographed By Adam Margolis, December 19, 2023
2. "I just had to speak out" Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on December 25, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 24, 2023, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. This page has been viewed 83 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 24, 2023, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
